This course is designed to acquaint graduate students with the trajectory of literary theory over the course of the 20th century with special attention paid to the predominant concepts, terms, schools, and thinkers associated with literary analysis. Attention will also be given to the techniques of research and the practical application of abstract concepts in order to improve the student's ability to think and write critically about literary works read in this course and in the future. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Cross-listed with SPAN 5300)